Pittsburgh-Area Native To Play In U.S. Open At Oakmont

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA ? Cranberry native Matthew Vogt used to caddie at the Oakmont Country Club. Now he will be playing there next week at the U.S. Open.

The Indianapolis dentist qualified for the Open last week, shooting back-to-back 68s in a qualifying round at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, WA.

"I remember walking the fairways at Oakmont as a kid, thinking that I want to be a member and play in events here someday,? Vogt told the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association. ?To play in the U.S. Open, I can?t describe the feeling. I am truly speechless and so grateful for my experiences at
Oakmont.?

The Seneca Valley High School graduate played collegiately at Butler University in Indiana for nearly two years. He then left the game to focus on school.

Vogt's father, Jim, died in April and was on his mind while he qualified for the tournament.

?There were multiple times, especially on the back nine where I was almost in tears just thinking about my dad, the circumstances,? he said. ?It was one of the hardest things I?ve ever done. "